ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University women's flag football team has announced that it will play its first game in program history on Saturday, March 8 at the Walter Payton Center. The event will be hosted by the Chicago Bears and will be the first collegiate women's flag football game in the state of Illinois. The game between Rockford University and Benedictine University is scheduled for a 6:15 PM start at the Walter Payton Center, which is located inside of Halas Hall, in Lake Forest, Illinois. 

"Rockford University is thrilled to participate in the first collegiate women's flag football game in the state of Illinois," Director of Athletics Jason Mulligan stated. "We are all very excited for Saturday, March 8 when we will forever be a part of a historic moment during our game at Halas Hall. These young ladies have worked very hard for this opportunity, and we cannot wait to finally be able to watch them compete on the field."

"This is a tremendous honor that has been bestowed upon us as a team," Head Coach Tim Trevier said. "It is not often in our lifetimes when we can say we are making history, but we, as a team, have now accomplished this twice. We were the first college/university at any level to start a women's flag football program in Illinois, and now we are making history again when we will be playing in the first collegiate women's flag football game ever in Illinois."

The 2025 Rockford University women's flag football roster features a total of 20 student-athletes from six states, with 11 of them hailing from the state of Illinois. Six of the 20 are also dual sport athletes who are competing in at least one other sport at Rockford University in addition to flag football.

"These young women have been trailblazers and pioneers here at Rockford University, Coach Trevier remarked. "They have done everything that has been asked of them both in the classroom and on the football field. I am extremely proud of them, and they are not only ambassadors of Rockford University, but of the sport as well."

The RU women's flag football team's inaugural schedule currently features a total of 16 games played in five states. Rockford's first home games are scheduled for Friday, March 21 against Bryant & Stratton College and Benedictine University. The Regents will conclude their season on the road on Friday, April 25 at Bryant & Stratton College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Rockford University is currently working with the Chicago Bears organization to try and arrange to have the game streamed on RockfordRegents.com so fans can enjoy the historic event from the comfort of their own homes. 

"I want to take a moment to thank the people who helped make all this possible," Coach Trevier stated. "I will begin by thanking both Gustavo Silva and the entire Chicago Bears organization. Thank you for believing in this sport and for pushing it forward because without you, this game would not be possible. I would also like to thank Lamont Jones of the Rockford Park District. Your vision many years ago to start the sport has helped make it what it is today, not only in Rockford, but in the state of Illinois as well. Also, to Louis Mateus of the Rockford Park District, for being an incredible partner and for working with Rockford University. Last, but certainly not least, a huge thanks to Rockford University President, Dr. Patricia Lynott, and Director of Athletics, Jason Mulligan, for having the vision to start the women's flag football program at Rockford University. None of this would be happening today without the hard work and foresight of everyone involved."

For more information about the Chicago Bears and their critical involvement in girls and women's flag football in the state of Illinois, please read the article on their website via the below link.

Chicago Bears and Women's Flag Football